What to Expect from the Like a Dragon Franchise in 2025: Exciting Releases and Anniversary Surprises

The Like a Dragon franchise, one of Sega’s most successful and beloved series, is set for a monumental 2025. After a landmark year in 2024, which saw the release of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth and a live-action TV adaptation on Amazon Prime, 2025 promises even more exciting developments as the franchise celebrates its 20th anniversary. Here’s a look at what fans can expect from the iconic series in the coming year.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii – Coming in February

First up, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is set to launch on February 21, 2025, and it promises to deliver another action-packed side adventure. Following the events of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the game centers on Goro Majima, the fan-favorite character, who finds himself with amnesia on a Hawaiian island. As Majima gets embroiled in a conflict with local pirates and the remnants of a religious group, players will enjoy a new, action-based combat system, reminiscent of Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name.

This side story will feature the all-new Sea Dog Style combat, focusing on pirate-themed weaponry. But it’s not just combat that fans will enjoy; Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii promises a host of mini-games, including:

• Crazy Delivery
• Karaoke
• Dragon Kart
• Masaru’s Love Journey – My Dream Minato Girl

One of the most exciting additions is the ability to recruit and build a pirate crew. Players can set sail and engage in naval combat, reminiscent of Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag. Expect thrilling high-seas battles as Majima takes on rival pirate crews.

Project Century – A New Historical Adventure

Another highly anticipated title is Project Century, revealed during The Game Awards 2024. Although details are sparse, this game looks set to take the Like a Dragon franchise in an intriguing new direction. Set in 1915 Japan, Project Century promises a brutal exploration of the criminal underworld in a historical context. The game’s connection to the main Like a Dragon series remains unclear, though some speculate it could delve into the origins of the Tojo Clan and Omi Alliance, the two powerful factions central to the Like a Dragon universe.

Whether Project Century is a standalone title or part of the larger series, it is certain to satisfy fans who crave intense, action-packed brawler gameplay with a fresh, historical twist.

RGG Summit 2025 – Like a Dragon 9 on the Horizon?

Fans of the Like a Dragon franchise will also be keeping an eye on the return of the RGG Summit, likely to take place in Fall 2025. This event has become a major platform for revealing upcoming Like a Dragon projects, and given the significance of the franchise’s 20th anniversary, 2025 could see a major reveal. While Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth was just released in 2024, it’s not out of the question that the team will tease Like a Dragon 9 or provide more details about future installments. The annual release schedule and the milestone anniversary could make 2025 an ideal time to drop hints about the next mainline game.

20th Anniversary Celebrations – More Surprises to Come?

The biggest question surrounding the Like a Dragon franchise in 2025 is how RGG Studio will celebrate its 20th anniversary. The 10th anniversary in 2015 was marked by the release of Yakuza 0, along with additional releases like a series encyclopedia and special merchandise. For the 20th anniversary, fans can expect more exciting projects and announcements.

While Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is the major release for the year, RGG Studio might have other surprises in store. Whether it’s more cross-media projects like this year’s Like a Dragon: Yakuza Amazon Prime series, or further developments on Project Century, there’s no doubt that 2025 will be another major year for the franchise.

Looking Ahead to an Exciting 2025

With Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii set to kick off the year and new projects like Project Century on the horizon, 2025 is shaping up to be a massive year for the Like a Dragon franchise. The 20th anniversary celebrations will undoubtedly bring more surprises, and with an action-packed lineup, fans can look forward to another thrilling chapter in this iconic series.